Capital city Brussels
Area 30,528 sq km
Government Federal constitutional monarchy and bicameral parliamentary democracy
Population 10,5 million
Time Zone CET (Central European Time)
Current GDP growth 1,9% (est. 01/2008)
Inflation 3,64% (est. 02/2008)
Official languages Dutch (approx. 60% of the population) French (approx. 40% of the population) German (<1% of the population)
Religion Traditionally the vast majority of the Belgian population is Roman Catholic but less than 8% practice. Close to 30% of the population consider themselves agnostic. Islam is an important religion (approx. 4%). Also there are small minorities of Protestants and Jews.
Currency EURO €
Exchange Rate One US$ = € 1.58 (July 17th 2008)
Country Dialing Code +32 
Internet domain .be
Geography Belgium has three main geographical regions: the coastal plain in the north-west (polders at or below sea level), the central plateau (fertile smooth valleys), and the Ardennes uplands (forested plateau) in the south-east. Belgium shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Netherlands.
Climate The climate is maritime temperate, with significant precipitation in all seasons
Banks and foreign exchange Belgium’s financial institutions are worldclass, with no shortage of banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers.
Credit cards and cash All major credit cards can be used in Belgium, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal acceptance than MasterCard and Visa. Smaller retailers, restaurants and bars typically accept cash only.
Telecommunications Belgium has a highly developed, technologically advanced communications infrastructure. The main fixed-line operators have made rapid progress building their ‘Next Generation’ networks (i.e. high-bandwidth IP network for voice, data, video, TV). There are three mobile phone service providers with national coverage. Broadband internet penetration is close to 20% of households.
International Institutions and Embassies Brussels is home to the European Commission, NATO and a range of other international organizations. As such, Brussels is a major diplomatic center, with most major countries not only being represented by embassies but also by diplomatic missions to the EU.
Medical facilities Belgium is recognized for its world-class medical expertise and facilities.